7 Best Cryptocurrency ETFs to Buy

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The collapse of major crypto firms like FTX, Celsius, and Voyager sent shockwaves through the digital asset space, reinforcing a long-standing principle in the cryptocurrency community: “not your keys, not your coins.” This mantra emphasizes the importance of self-custody—holding your own private keys to maintain full control over your digital assets. Rooted in Bitcoin’s original decentralized and libertarian ethos, this idea once defined how most crypto investors approached ownership.

However, the investment landscape has evolved dramatically since the debut of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on January 10, 2025. These financial products have bridged the gap between traditional finance and digital assets, offering investors a regulated, accessible way to gain exposure to cryptocurrencies without managing wallets or private keys.

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“Back in 2016, there was only one option to hold Bitcoin in a retirement account,” says Chris Kline, COO and co-founder of Bitcoin IRA. “Now, nearly every type of financial account can include crypto assets. This shift opens up previously untapped capital to Bitcoin and accelerates mainstream adoption.”

The surge in spot Bitcoin ETFs reflects growing investor confidence. With billions flowing into these funds, it's clear that convenience and regulatory approval are driving widespread interest in crypto ETFs as a legitimate asset class.

Still, it's important to recognize that ETFs aren't a perfect substitute for direct ownership. “ETFs trade only during market hours, while direct crypto platforms allow 24/7 trading,” Kline notes. “And when it comes time to withdraw for retirement, ETFs must be sold for cash before distribution—whereas direct holdings can be transferred straight to a personal wallet.”

Despite these limitations, the momentum behind crypto ETFs continues to build—not just for Bitcoin, but for other digital assets like Ethereum. While a spot Ethereum ETF is still pending SEC approval—expected in May 2025 with potential delays—the market is already adapting with alternative strategies.

Below are seven of the best cryptocurrency ETFs available today, offering diverse ways to access the digital asset ecosystem.

iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT)

As one of the most prominent entrants in the spot Bitcoin ETF space, iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) leverages BlackRock’s global reputation and operational scale. Since its launch, IBIT has amassed over $17.2 billion in assets under management (AUM), making it one of the largest players in the field.

IBIT provides direct exposure to Bitcoin’s spot price during U.S. trading hours with a competitive expense ratio of 0.25%. For the first $5 billion in AUM, this fee is waived down to 0.12% for a 12-month period—an aggressive move aimed at attracting institutional and retail investors alike.

This ETF is ideal for those seeking low-cost Bitcoin exposure within a familiar brokerage environment, without the complexities of self-custody.

Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB)

While BlackRock represents traditional finance entering crypto, Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) showcases innovation from dedicated digital asset managers. BITB made history in January 2025 by becoming the first Bitcoin ETF to publicly disclose its wallet address—enhancing transparency and trust.

Investors can independently verify BITB’s reserves and transaction history on the blockchain, a rare level of openness in the ETF world. The fund currently holds over 33,997 Bitcoins across $2.1 billion in AUM.

With a 30-day median bid-ask spread of just 0.05%, BITB ranks among the most liquid Bitcoin ETFs. Its expense ratio is 0.20%, with fee waivers applied to the first $1 billion in AUM.

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Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC)

Grayscale played a pivotal role in making spot Bitcoin ETFs possible. In August 2024, the firm won a landmark legal victory against the SEC, forcing regulators to approve multiple spot Bitcoin ETF applications—including its own conversion of GBTC from a closed-end trust to an open-ended ETF.

Despite its pioneering status, GBTC faced significant outflows post-launch due to its relatively high 1.50% expense ratio—especially compared to competitors offering temporary fee waivers. As of early 2025, GBTC manages around $19 billion in AUM.

In response, Grayscale plans to launch the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), a lower-cost alternative with identical spot exposure to Bitcoin, signaling its intent to remain competitive.

VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT)

While a true spot Ethereum ETF remains pending SEC approval, VanEck Ethereum Strategy ETF (EFUT) offers investors a viable alternative. EFUT uses CME-traded Ether futures contracts rather than holding Ether directly.

The fund primarily holds risk-free Treasury bills as collateral for these futures positions. While this structure means EFUT doesn’t perfectly track Ether’s spot price, its performance remains closely correlated—making it a practical proxy for exposure to Ethereum price movements.

EFUT charges a 0.66% expense ratio and has approximately $29 million in AUM—a modest size reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead of potential spot ETF approvals.

Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH)

For investors interested in the broader blockchain ecosystem—not just direct crypto exposure—Global X Blockchain ETF (BKCH) offers diversified access to companies driving innovation.

Holding stocks like Coinbase Global (COIN), Riot Platforms (RIOT), and Galaxy Digital (GLXY.TO), BKCH focuses on crypto miners, exchanges, and asset managers. It operates with a 0.50% expense ratio and allows investors to benefit from rising institutional adoption of blockchain technology.

“As Bitcoin activity grows, so do transaction fees and miner revenues,” says Ido Caspi, research analyst at Global X ETFs. “This creates strong tailwinds for blockchain-related equities.”

Amplify Transformational Data Sharing ETF (BLOK)

Launched in January 2018, BLOK predates the current wave of crypto ETFs but remains relevant as an actively managed fund focused on blockchain innovation.

With 52 holdings handpicked for their involvement in blockchain technology, BLOK includes not only crypto-native firms like Coinbase and Galaxy Digital but also legacy players embracing digital assets—such as MicroStrategy (MSTR), Robinhood (HOOD), and PayPal (PYPL).

Unlike index-based funds, BLOK’s active management allows flexibility in responding to market shifts. It charges a 0.76% expense ratio and offers exposure to both emerging and established players in the data-sharing economy.

ProShares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU)

For experienced traders seeking amplified returns, ProShares Ultra Bitcoin ETF (BITU) offers leveraged exposure—targeting twice the daily return of the Bloomberg Bitcoin Index.

BITU achieves this through swaps with major financial institutions like Nomura and Goldman Sachs, using IBIT as the underlying asset. With a 0.95% expense ratio, it’s among the costlier options—but designed for short-term trading rather than long-term holding.

⚠️ Important: Due to compounding effects and volatility decay, leveraged ETFs like BITU are not suitable for buy-and-hold investors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a cryptocurrency ETF?
A: A cryptocurrency ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of one or more digital assets—either directly (spot ETFs), via futures contracts, or through stocks of crypto-related companies.

Q: Are crypto ETFs safer than buying crypto directly?
A: They offer regulatory oversight and integration into traditional brokerage accounts, reducing custody risks. However, they come with management fees and trading hour restrictions not present in direct ownership.

Q: Can I hold crypto ETFs in my retirement account?
A: Yes—many retirement accounts now support crypto ETFs like IBIT and BITB, offering easier access than self-custodied crypto.

Q: Do spot Bitcoin ETFs hold actual Bitcoin?
A: Yes—approved spot Bitcoin ETFs hold real Bitcoin in secure custody solutions, providing direct exposure to price movements.

Q: Will Ethereum ETFs be approved in 2025?
A: The SEC is expected to rule on spot Ethereum ETF applications in May 2025. While approval is possible, delays or rejections remain likely due to regulatory concerns.

Q: Are leveraged crypto ETFs risky?
A: Extremely. Funds like BITU are designed for short-term trading and can suffer significant losses over time due to volatility decay—even if the underlying asset performs well.

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Core Keywords:

These seven ETFs represent a spectrum of entry points into the evolving digital asset economy—from direct spot exposure to strategic equity plays—offering something for every type of investor navigating this new frontier.